The Federal Government has begun coordinated efforts to evacuate a group of Nigerian workers stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR), following disturbing reports and viral footage showing their distress in the Bambari region, approximately 850 kilometers from the capital, Bangui.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry of foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebiemfa, the Ministry expressed deep concern over the plight of the affected nationals, who were reportedly abandoned by their employers and facilitators.
The Ministry confirmed that officials from the Nigerian Mission in the Central African Republic have established contact with the stranded individuals.
According to the Ministry, the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui is actively engaging with local authorities to ensure the safety, protection, and prompt repatriation of the stranded citizens. Their passports have been retrieved, and a vehicle has been dispatched to evacuate them from Bambari to Bangui, with their arrival expected on Saturday, July 26, under military escort.
Discussions are ongoing with the company involved to secure temporary accommodation and welfare for the returnees pending their repatriation to Nigeria.
Reiterating its commitment to the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad, the Ministry urged Nigerians seeking employment overseas to thoroughly verify the credibility of prospective employers and ensure proper documentation before travelling. It also advised Nigerians residing or working abroad to register with the nearest Nigerian mission to facilitate assistance in times of need.